2005

For the second season in a row, Schneider almost eliminated the stolen base from other teams' offensive games. He threw out half the base runners who dared take off against him. He committed only four passed balls, so it's not as if they were able to make up for it by advancing on his poor defense catching the ball, either. Few other catchers can match Schneider's +38 fielding rating over the last three years. Combined with some decent power and patience, and you have a bargain at $2 million for 2005 who's flat-out fun to watch.

2003

A better option than all the Brad Ausmii out there, with or without accounting for salary. For the Expos’ purposes, Schneider’s a better-fielding catcher than Michael Barrett, with a bat that at least looked comparable in limited playing time. With payroll concerns all over the roster, Barrett may get shipped out, opening the starting job for Schneider. Paired with a veteran righty hitter, catcher could remain a plus position for the Expos, especially if Schneider converts a few of those ample doubles into homers.

2002

Schneider impressed former second-string backstop Torborg with his work behind the plate in September, putting a hammerlock on the backup-catcher job. The power he showed a couple of years ago in Harrisburg raises concerns about temporary genetic mutation occurring on tours of Three Mile Island, but even without that sock, Schneider's left-handed bat still makes him handy off the bench. He is embarking on what should be a nice little career, logging a few seasons as a starter before it’s over.

2001

A decent backup catcher in the making, Brian Schneider compensates for his lack of arm strength behind the plate with quick footwork. It’s a treat to watch; we’re so used to rockets getting launched by the Ivan Rodriguezs and the Henry Blancos that we forget the difference that anticipation and quickness can make. Schneider’s shot at backing up Barrett is endangered by the signing of Sandy Martinez. Laugh away, monkey boy, but this is serious as far as Schneider is concerned.

2000

The new Darrin Fletcher? He’s a good receiver and game-caller, with an accurate arm that isn’t very strong. Catchers who hit left-handed have better job guarantees than mailmen, and they’re less likely to go postal. If Henley scuffles, Schneider could be up before September, adding another wrinkle to the choice of where to put Barrett.

1999

An unusual developmental strategy the Expos have is the midseason promotion, followed by a non-promotion the next spring. Schneider began '98 where he ended '97, in Cape Fear, and he crushed the ball for about a month before he was promoted to Jupiter, where he struggled across the board. Karl Chatman and Carlos Adolfo had similar seasons, and I just don't see any evidence that this is helping anyone's development.